Electric Forces between three charges

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the resultant force on an electron influenced by a positive ion (+9e) and a negative ion (-8e). The user initially attempted to use the formula F = k(q x q/r^2) and performed vector addition but arrived at an incorrect answer of 2.235e-16 N. After further investigation, it was revealed that the user had been using their calculator in the wrong mode, which contributed to the error. The conversation highlights the importance of careful calculation and verification in physics problems. Ultimately, the user resolved the issue and expressed gratitude for the assistance.
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An electron is near a positive ion of charge +9e and a negative ion of charge −8e (see the figure below). (Take a = 5.23 µm, b = 4.28 µm, and θ = 54.9°.)

(a) Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant force on the electron. (Let right be the +x-direction. Measure the angle counter-clockwise from the +x-axis.)

F = k(q x q/r^2)


I tried using this equation and then finally doing vector addition and I got an answer of: 2.235e-16 N and this was wrong.
 
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Then I guess you used the equation or did the vector addition wrong...

Care to show some of your work?
 
Thanks! I actually was using my calculator in the incorrect mode. I figure it out. I really appreciate it.
 

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